Forum News

Blockchain - Government Adoption

The NYS Forum NYC Innovation & Emerging Technologies and NYC Security Workgroups co-hosted an event entitled "Blockchain - Government Adoption" on March 8th, 2017 at the NYC Law Department in downtown Manhattan. The event, attended by roughly 60 in-person/dialed in members, proved to be an extremely constructive and informative presentation that put a Spotlight on this up and coming technology.

When one hears Blockchain, usually the name Bitcoin immediately comes to mind. However, Blockchain goes well beyond cryptocurrency applications. Security, voting, public benefits distribution and the Internet of Things management are just a few of the processes which may be positively impacted by the adoption of the Blockchain technology.This session provided a level set on the Blockchain technology platform, an overview of what it is, how ready it is for widespread use, where it is being used, and challenges inhibiting it from getting broad adoption.

Joel Binn, Senior Director - Bureau of Information Technology, NYC Department of Sanitation was the first to present. Joel gave us an overview of the Blockchain technology, explained how it is currently used, and shared findings on his current research on how it can be used and capitalized on for the future

Second to present was Val A. Red, 1st Lt, USAF, Cyber Integration Program Manager - Disruptive Information Technologies Program, Airforce Research Laboratory. Val followed up by building off of the top down introduction by Joel and covered government adoption and Data provenance aspects of Blockchain.

Following the presentation, there was an active and dynamic Q&A/Open Discussion session involving those in person and on the webex. The event was extremely constructive and turned into an invigorating and captivating exchange of information and ideas providing much food for thought and plans for action.